Rural Women’s Empowerment and Economic Development in India: A Study of the Government-Led Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme

This research paper investigates the role of the Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) scheme in promoting rural women’s empowerment and economic development in India. Introduced in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, MSK aimed to enhance women’s participation in the economy through skill development, awareness generation, and convergence with existing government welfare programs. However, it was discontinued in 2022 following a NITI Aayog evaluation. Using an analytical framework and qualitative case studies from Kulgam and Nagaland, this paper examines the scheme’s design, implementation, economic implications, and limitations. It further advances policy recommendations focused on strengthening institutional capacity, improving awareness and outreach, and fostering integration with other rural development initiatives. By critically assessing MSK’s outcomes and challenges, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners seeking to design more effective, inclusive, and sustainable frameworks for women’s empowerment in rural India.